Unshackle Upstate Announces 2018 Legislative Endorsements

BUFFALO, NY – Unshackle Upstate, through its political action committee UPAC, today announced its slate of 2018 legislative endorsements. The bi-partisan list is comprised of 15 Senate candidates and 24 Assembly candidates.

“At Unshackle Upstate we believe in supporting candidates who support the issues that matter to the Upstate economy. We’re proud to endorse the following legislative candidates because of their commitment to reining in state spending, easing the tax burden on Upstate families and improving New York's harsh business climate,” said Michael Kracker, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “We strongly encourage voters who want to see a stronger Upstate economy to support these candidates on Election Day.”

Senate Endorsements (15)

• Rob Ortt – SD 62

• Mike Ranzenhofer – SD-61

• Chris Jacobs – SD-60

• Pat Gallivan – SD-59

• Tom O’Mara – SD-58

• Pam Helming – SD-54

• Fred Akshar – SD-52

• Jim Seward SD – 51

• Bob Antonacci (open seat) – SD-50

• Jim Tedisco – SD-49

• Patty Ritchie – SD-48

• Joe Griffo – SD-47

• George Amedore – SD-46

• Betty Little – SD-45

• Sue Serino – SD-41

Assembly Endorsements (24)

• Andy Goodell – AD-150

• Joe Giglio – AD-148

• David DiPietro – AD-147

• Ray Walter – AD-146

• Angelo Morinello – AD-145

• Mike Norris – AD-144

• Robin Schimminger – AD-140

• Stephen Hawley – AD-139

• Peter Lawrence – AD-134

• Marjorie Byrnes* – AD-133

• Philip Palmesano – AD-132

• Brian Kolb – AD-131

• Nicholas Paro* – AD-127

• Christopher Friend – AD-124

• Cliff Crouch – AD-122

• John Salka* – AD-121

• Ken Blankenbush – AD-117

• Mark Walczyk* – AD-116

• Dan Stec – AD-114

• Mary Beth Walsh – AD-112

• Brian McGarry* – AD-111

• Jacob Ashby – AD-107

• Kiernan Michael Lalor – AD-105

• Chris Tague – AD-102

* indicate Assembly Challengers

The 39 candidates – comprised of incumbents and challengers – were evaluated using the organization’s 2018 Legislative Scorecard grades, questionnaire responses and feedback from regional business leaders.

In the coming weeks, Unshackle Upstate and its leadership team will continue to monitor other races across the state and may make additional endorsements prior to November 6.